The prophetic visions given to Daniel point out God's sovereignty over human history and the preeminence of Jesus, the One Who would receive authority over heaven and earth. He alone would be worthy!
"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13,14)
While many people have spent significant time trying to unravel the intricacies of the end times, the most important truths of the Bible's teaching are quite clear: God the Father has given power and authority to Jesus, Whose Kingdom will overtake the earth. The saints will somehow participate in the governance of this Kingdom:
"'But the court will sit, and his [the king who will oppress the Most High] power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.'" (Daniel 7:26,27)
Jesus Christ alone fulfills this prophecy and the myriad of other prophecies throughout the Old Testament. Born of a virgin, sent to Egypt due to Herodian persecution, and broken and pierced for our transgressions, Jesus is indeed the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). He came to become the One from David's line Who would sit on the throne forever (2 Samuel 7:13,16) His very mission would speak of the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy (Luke 4:18-21; cf. Isaiah 61:1,2).
In short, while the world struggles to read tea leaves for the next week or month or year, God has given us a clear picture of the fulfillment of history, and it centers around an ongoing spiritual battle between the forces of good and evil. We may have full confidence in the Person and completed ministry of Jesus. His Kingdom will last forever and will bear no marks of man's deficiencies and shortcomings, unlike this fragile world's brokenness. We may rejoice in the holiness and complete adequacy of our Lord and Savior. (Colossians 1:15-20; 2:8)
QUESTIONS
1. Do you tend to focus on the "big picture" or "small details" when considering prophecy?
2. How does the reality of God's sovereignty and the eternal nature of Christ's Kingdom affect your day today? If you trusted wholly in these truths, how would impact your attitudes and actions related to money? Other people? The usage of your time?
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